Frequently Asked Questions for Faculty

What should I do when a student hands to me directly his or her documentation of a disability?

The student should be directed to take the documentation to our office:

Student Disability Services
3100 Burge Hall
(319) 335-1462

Staff will review the documentation to determine eligibility for accommodations and then meet with the student to discuss appropriate accommodations for each class. The staff member will also assist the student communicate with faculty about his or her accommodation needs.

Are students required to identify their disability or provide copies of disability documentation to faculty and staff?

No. Students are not required to disclose the nature of their disability, nor should they be asked to provide faculty and staff with copies of their disability documentation. Student disability documents are treated as privileged information and kept confidential in our office.

When students identify themselves as having a disability, what should faculty and staff do?

Students may notify you of a disability and express interest in seeking an accommodation. Listen to what they have to say. Ask questions about how the disability may impact them in the class as well what sort of accommodation might be helpful. Do not provide services to students claiming a disability unless the accommodation requested is something you would have granted to any student with or without a disability.

Students who request academic accommodations for disabilities but have not yet registered at SDS need to be referred to our office to complete the registration process before accommodations are arranged. For more information, please contact us.

Do I provide accommodations for students who orally request them but do not have documentation for SDS?

No. The faculty is not obligated to provide accommodations to students if they are not registered with SDS. Students should be directed to SDS for registration.

I suspect that a student has a disability. How do I talk to the student about my concern?

You can tell the student that you have noticed he/she is struggling and ask if you could suggest some campus resources that may be helpful, listing Student Disability Services and University Counseling Service among the resources. University Counseling Service provides screenings for students who suspect they may have learning disabilities or attention deficit disorder. The student can call (319) 335-7294 to schedule an appointment.

Students experiencing psychiatric or medical conditions are encouraged to seek consultation with their physicians and/or psychologists for disability evaluation.

Students suspecting speech difficulties or hearing loss are encouraged to contact the Wendell Johnson Speech and Hearing Clinic for evaluation.

What accommodations are required if a student discloses a disability after the fact (e.g., after failing an exam or assignment)?

If exceptions are not made for other students after-the-fact, none are required for students with disabilities. However, if exceptions are made for other students, requests such as this must be considered.

Should I extend deadlines or grade students with disabilities differently?

Students with disabilities are expected to meet the same course requirements as other students.

What do I do about a student with a disability who is misbehaving, threatening, or rude?

All students are expected to abide by the University Code of Conduct. Poor behavior is not excused on the basis of disability. If any student is disruptive, follow standard departmental procedures such as contacting campus security.

I am an employee of the University of Iowa. Can you assist me with getting accommodations from my department?

Accommodating employees is ultimately a departmental responsibility. The University's Faculty and Staff Disability Services office works to assist departments and employees to identify appropriate work-related accommodations. More information can be found by visiting their website or calling Faculty and Staff Disability Services at (319) 335-0052.